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Expert: - 7/31/2010


Question
This is about extraterrestrial life

I have heard that there is “Anguttara Nikaya” some where  or in other “Sutta Pitaka” there are 2 alien life forms live near to earth (may be some light years) and one of the nearest life form has there hands like pigeons legs and eyes very wide. So it looks like the most common alien picture we see in the movies and pictures.

So I’m very interested to know that if you have red such description on any from “Sutta Pitaka” and if yeas , please let me know the title and the “Nikaya”

Thank you,

Anjana

Answer
Hi Anjana,

To the best of my knowledge, the Buddha did not talk about "extra-terrestrial beings."

The closest you could find would be two suttas.  The first is in Digha Nikaya Vol.1, Chapter 2, Sutta 1, "Brahmajala Sutta" which describes how Brahma appeared and why he thought that he was the creator when other beings also appeared in due course.

The second is found in Digha Nikaya Vol.3, Sutta 27, "Agganna Suttanta" which describes how two luminous beings descended to this earth and degenerated their physical form into what it is now.  This sutta can be regarded as the genesis of life on this earth.

Hope this helps.

Take care.

Justin Choo

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Justin Choo

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When in doubt seek it out. All your questions will be answered, and you may not have to agree with the answers. Such is the beauty of Buddhism. You are free to decide. I follow the Theravada tradition, and have been studying Buddhism for more than 40 years. Please view my profile for more details. I have answered more than 1500 questions since joining this category. You may like to give me the honor to answer your question.

Experience

I was brought up in the 50's as a Buddhist. For the past 40 years I have read numerous books on Buddhism and listened to numerous talks on Buddhism by well-respected and learned monks and lay teachers. I conduct Buddhist classes for parents of Sunday School children in a Theravada Buddhist Temple. My teacher was the late Chief Reverend, The Ven. K Sri Dhammananda of The Brickfields Buddhist Mahavihara, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. You can view the relevent website in memory of my revered late teacher @ http://www.ksridhammananda.com

Organizations
I am a life member of the Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia.

Publications
YOU ARE INVITED TO VISIT MY BLOG @ http://lifeislikethat999.blogspot.com/ Published a book called "The Rainbow And The Treasure". It is a compilation of extracts from various sources to introduce Buddhism to beginners. (Currently out of print)

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Commerce And Administration, Victoria University Of Wellington, NZ.(1974)

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